William Lee McElrath, Jr.

William Lee McElrath, Jr., 77, of Asheville, died Saturday, August 16, 2014. He was raised in Haywood Co. in Canton where he later moved to Asheville in 1962. He was the son of the late William Lee McElrath, Sr., and Evelyn Bertie Burnett McElrath. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn McElrath Kirby of Daytona, FL. Mr. McElrath was a graduate of Clemson University, earning a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for Champion and American Enka, and later became a founding principal of Reece, Noland, and McElrath, Inc. in 1960. Bill was elected to the Professional Engineers of North Carolina (PENC) class of Fellow Members, as well as being on several other committees. RN&M, Inc. Consulting Engineers were instrumental in working with architects to build schools across the state and many hospitals. Bill was most proud of the work they did on the Heart Wing at Mission Hospital. On a personal level, Bill served First Baptist Church of Asheville as a Deacon and electronics-television ministries volunteer. He was a judge for math counts across all of Buncombe Co. Schools and also active in helping with Little League baseball. He helped with funding and construction of neighborhood ball fields. Mr. McElrath was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, and a member of the National Guard. He is survived by his wife, Linda Bradshaw McElrath; a daughter, Susan McElrath; a son, Lee McElrath; and by three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at First Baptist Church of Asheville, with the Rev. Leah Brown officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.